The "Resilience of Society" Demonstrated by Ukraine ─ Can Decentralization and Citizen Collaboration Overcome Crises: Strong Society × Listening Governance

The Phys.org article published on September 18, 2025, highlights the decentralization reforms since 2014 as a key factor in Ukraine's ability to maintain societal functions under full-scale invasion, as discussed in a special issue of the academic journal 'Post-Soviet Affairs'. The reorganization of the country into 1,469 "hromadas" and the transfer of budgetary discretion to local regions increased citizens' "stake in the state," leading to effective volunteer efforts and swift municipal responses during wartime. Grassroots support has been extensive, with school parent associations producing candles for the front lines and youth groups creating spaces for warmth during power outages. However, the article also points out the limitations of centralized power under martial law and citizens' "long-term war fatigue," emphasizing the necessity of continued external support. It is also demonstrated that regions with higher voter turnout tend to have higher expenditures on social services. The lesson for the world is to "build not only a strong military but also a strong society."